COMMUNITY FORUM

5.5

I'm purchasing a house built in 1838 in Baltimore. For some reason the left side of the first floor has settled 5.5" over the course of 16 ft. I'm trying to figure out what the best way to level the floor to put in new hardwood. however, I'm not planning to touch the kitchen floor at the other end of the dip if I can avoid it. Is there a way to make up a 5.5" difference and not have some odd drop into the kitchen?

Note: the floor joists are aged but still very solid. It doesn't look like they are the real issue behind the settling. Possibly the brick that the joists are hooked on is starting to compress.

ANY help anyone can give would be greatly appreciated. If I can't fix it I'm going to need to drink a lot to offset the angles.